Saints look for new coach after Millward axe

Last updated at 08:31 11 May 2005

St Helens could appoint a new head coach "within days" after pressing ahead with the dismissal of Ian Millward.

The departure of Millward, for what the club call gross misconduct, was confirmed in a 1,200-word statement issued by chairman Eamonn McManus following the completion of an internal disciplinary hearing.

Millward, suspended since last Tuesday, has already lodged an appeal with Saints which is expected to take place before the end of the week and, unless he is able to overturn the decision, a successor could be named as soon as next week.

"The only good thing to come out of all this is that because of the high-profile nature of the case, I've had six or seven unsolicited approaches from top-class coaches around the world," said McManus.

"Legally, I can now start to talk to them, although there is the appeal which will take a couple of days, and I'm going to do that right away. I hope to make a decision within a few days."

Vacant position attracting interest

Former Australia Test coach Chris Anderson, who is out of work following his departure from Welsh rugby union club Gwent Dragons, and New Zealand boss Daniel Anderson have already signalled their interest in the job.

Whoever takes over from Millward, who guided Saints to five major trophies in five seasons, will inherit a team in second place in the engage Super League, just two points behind champions Leeds, and on course to defend their Powergen Challenge Cup.

The new man will have a hard act to follow but McManus cast doubt on Millward's recent achievements.

"I'm not going to knock Ian's record as a coach but he inherited a very successful team and has had some great players to work with," said McManus.

"Let's get a sense of perspective. We finished fourth two years ago and sixth last year which was our worst-ever finish. The Challenge Cup success masked what was an awful year."

Reasons for dismissal

Millward, who was just halfway through a five-year contract, was sacked essentially for verbally abusing Warrington press officer Gina Coldrick, swearing at a Rugby League official during an Easter Monday match and haranguing St Helens media officer Alex Turner.

The club say they are also investigating other, potentially more serious, allegations of misconduct and admit that Millward's relationship with chief executive Sean McGuire had broken down irretrievably.

The beginning of the end can be traced back to the sale of Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson last July, just a month after the player was banned for his part in the infamous betting scandal.

The Australian made it clear he was opposed to the transfer, which he claimed was made behind his back, and pointed the finger at McGuire.

McManus accused Millward of distorting the truth and claimed his attitude made his continued employment impractical.

"The three charges were each serious in their own right but when added together, in our view, portray a pattern of behaviour of a person who is unwilling or unable to comply with his ambassadorial duties as head coach," said McManus.

Disagreement over Gleeson transfer

"In addition to these three matters, albeit unconnected with the disciplinary proceedings relating to Ian's dismissal, Saints' name has not been helped by Ian Millward's position over the Martin Gleeson transfer.

"Ian was informed of the offer for Martin Gleeson one week before his actual transfer. He understood our decision and confirmed that he would support it.

"When I then went away on holiday, Ian blamed the decision to transfer Martin Gleeson on the chief executive Sean McGuire and has publicly and repeatedly stated that he was not informed, when he most certainly was. This again was most damaging and wholly unfair to the club's management.

"It is beyond doubt that the trust and confidence between the club's principal officers and Ian has now irreparably broken down."

Meanwhile, assistant coach Dave Rotheram will continue to prepare the team for Friday's game against Hull at the KC Stadium, where St Helens have lost on all three previous visits.

McManus will be bracing himself for another protest but is confident both the club's coaching staff and players can maintain their focus.

"One man who deserves a lot of praise is Dave Rotheram," said the chairman. "He has been brilliant throughout. The coaching staff have been motivated and Dave says he has never seen the players train as well."